Synopsis of Chapter 13
The chapter begins with the death of Chairman Mao in 1976. Throughout the first pages of this chapter, Da Chen talks about Mao’s funeral; the funeral Da was not allowed to attend. Da remembers following Mao in school and was told he and his family was not able to join the country in mourning. After Mao’s death, Da returns to school. While in school, the environment changes. Da had been attending troupe practices and when he does attend school, his teachers and fellow peers did not seem to care. (The non-existent caring was implied.) In the last few pages, I-Fei and Da talk about college and Da’s past life of a good student. The end of the chapter shows early signs of Da questioning whether or not smoking is a good thing to do.
Language and Style:
Symbolic Metaphor: “The knife of regret cut deeply into my soul.” (Page 147)
Simplistic Language: “You’re are only hope.” (Page 151)
Simplistic Language: “I felt safe and anchored.” (Page 142)
Quotes:
o “Chairman Mao died like an ordinary man.” (Found on page 137)
o “A cult mentality had been forged on me, and it hurt me deeply to be separated from such an event.” (Found on page 138)
o “I was my own master. I did not have to fear, worry, or fight. I felt safe and anchored. But soon I was feeling empty about school.” (Found on page 142)
o “Time had deserted me, or, rather, I had deserted myself. The knife of regret cut deeply into my soul.” (Found on page 147)
o “Cough some more, you fool, I thought.” (Found on page 149)
o “This society isn’t going to change that fast. No offense to you people.” (Found on page 150)
Narrator Point of View: An older Da narrates looking back on Mao’s death, then somewhat progresses to a younger Da who converses with I-Fei.
Tone/Mood: Mature and wise. The mood on the beginning page is serious, then when talking about the actual day of Mao’s death, it was, for me, more humorous and light.
The chapter begins with the death of Chairman Mao in 1976. Throughout the first pages of this chapter, Da Chen talks about Mao’s funeral; the funeral Da was not allowed to attend. Da remembers following Mao in school and was told he and his family was not able to join the country in mourning. After Mao’s death, Da returns to school. While in school, the environment changes. Da had been attending troupe practices and when he does attend school, his teachers and fellow peers did not seem to care. (The non-existent caring was implied.) In the last few pages, I-Fei and Da talk about college and Da’s past life of a good student. The end of the chapter shows early signs of Da questioning whether or not smoking is a good thing to do.
Language and Style:
Symbolic Metaphor: “The knife of regret cut deeply into my soul.” (Page 147)
Simplistic Language: “You’re are only hope.” (Page 151)
Simplistic Language: “I felt safe and anchored.” (Page 142)
Quotes:
o “Chairman Mao died like an ordinary man.” (Found on page 137)
o “A cult mentality had been forged on me, and it hurt me deeply to be separated from such an event.” (Found on page 138)
o “I was my own master. I did not have to fear, worry, or fight. I felt safe and anchored. But soon I was feeling empty about school.” (Found on page 142)
o “Time had deserted me, or, rather, I had deserted myself. The knife of regret cut deeply into my soul.” (Found on page 147)
o “Cough some more, you fool, I thought.” (Found on page 149)
o “This society isn’t going to change that fast. No offense to you people.” (Found on page 150)
Related Pictures Associated with this Chapter:
Image Address: http://www.matit.am/graphicdesign/packaging/images/cigarette_pack.jpg
I associated this specific picture because in chapter 13, Da shows his first signs toward resentment to smoking.
Miscellaneous Information:
Chapter Length: 16 pages.
Narrator Point of View: An older Da narrates looking back on Mao’s death, then somewhat progresses to a younger Da who converses with I-Fei.
Tone/Mood: Mature and wise. The mood on the beginning page is serious, then when talking about the actual day of Mao’s death, it was, for me, more humorous and light.